Helen Rackets, beloved wife of Hubert Rackets, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 1, 2012, at her home in Pagosa Springs surrounded by family members and a loving caregiver.

Born in Billings, Mont., on Sept. 14, 1917, Helen was the second daughter of John William Denny and Ella Jane Holstein Denny. One brother, Bill Denny and wife Nina of Sun Lakes, Ariz. and one sister, Eleanor Ann Blagg, widow of Mahlon Blagg, of Oklahoma City, Okla., survive their sister.

Helen and Hubert were married on Valentine’s Day 1942. Soon embarking on journeys to Indonesia and later Brazil while Hubert worked in the oil business; Helen lovingly raised three children, became a talented seamstress and quilter, a daunting bridge player, and a “straight down the fairway” golfer winning many club championships.

Helen is survived by her husband of 70 years, Hubert M. Rackets, three children, Barbara Rackets Skiles and husband, Gerald F. Skiles of Eustace, Texas, Stephen Charles Rackets and wife, Sally Moore Rackets of Snoqualmie, Wash., William (Bill) Hugh Rackets and wife, Cheryl Roberts of Singapore. Nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren enrich a grandmother’s life and Helen’s was enriched greatly. She lovingly tailor-made a quilt for each of her grandchildren, enjoying every hand placed stitch.

A memorial service for Helen will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012, at Pagosa Bible Church, 209 Harmon Park Drive, Pagosa Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Mercy, Archuleta County, 35 Mary Fisher Circle, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or Pagosa Fire Protection District, 191 North Pagosa Boulevard, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

The family would like to invite all who knew Helen to share in our celebration of her life.